The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby with some of the participants at Livability Conference
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, hosted a major conference at Lambeth Palace on 13th July to explore how people with disabilities can participate fully in the life of the church. It was also a chance to celebrate those places and individuals who have enabled increased participation within the Church for those with disabilities.
Marking the event, Livability launched a new resource called “More Than Welcome” to support churches in creating a place of welcome, inclusion and participation with disabled people.
More Than Welcome is a new resource to guide your church in how to deepen relationships with disabled people and build a church where everyone belongs. Based on the idea of a journey – the resource will help your church go through three important stages, from a place of welcome, to inclusion, to participation.
- Quick reference guide on ‘what adds up’ and what are the barriers to avoid, when working for full participation at your church.
- Stories and inspiration about the participation of disabled people.
- Information on how to get more training and expertise on taking the journey forward at your church.
More than welcome
“Without the presence, experience and skills of disabled people, we are incomplete. That is true in the church and in wider society. It is our calling to work to build the most effective routes to participation at every level of society.
Justin Welby, The Archbishop of Canterbury and President of Livability